Evolving out of Thin Lizzy’s most recent incarnation, Scott Gorham’s Black Star Riders hit Brighton for an evening of twin-guitar majesty.
With The Almighty’s Ricky Warwick and Alice Cooper guitarist Damon Johnson also along for the ride, they’re an accomplished live band, drawing on decades of stage experience.
This time around they combined original material with a trawl through the Thin Lizzy catalogue, the results enjoyable if rather mixed.
Even without the irreplaceable figure of Phil Lynott, there was no disputing the impact of anthems like Jailbreak or an always evocative Emerald. To Warwick’s credit, he handled vocal duties with plenty of soul and grit.
However, songs from the band’s debut album All Hell Breaks Loose proved less consistent. While Bound For Glory and Bloodshot slotted in neatly enough among classics, the Celtic-flavoured Kingdom Of The Lost and biker rock jam Valley Of The Stones jarred a little.
Concorde 2 was packed and uncomfortably sweaty throughout, with the loudest response (somewhat inevitably) reserved for Whiskey In The Jar and bar-room masterpiece The Boys Are Back In Town.
It wasn’t perfect, but as an all guns blazing tribute to ‘Lizzy’s legacy, Black Star Riders’ visit has to go down as a success.
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